How to Dress a Christmas Table: Settings, Centrepieces and Easy Ideas
Christmas dinner is the one meal of the year when the table really matters. Whether you’re hosting the whole family or a cosy dinner for four, a well-dressed table makes the day feel special before a single plate is served.
The good news? You don’t need to spend a fortune or be a stylist. In this guide we’ll walk you through how to dress a Christmas table step by step, from the tablecloth to the crackers, then share five easy centrepiece ideas and some colour schemes to get you started.
🎄 What You Need to Dress a Christmas Table
Before you start, gather everything in one place. A typical Christmas table uses:
- A tablecloth (and a runner, if you like a layered look)
- Placemats or chargers
- Dinner plates, plus side plates for bread or crackers
- Cutlery for each course
- Water and drinks glasses
- Christmas napkins
- Crackers
- A centrepiece and some table confetti to finish
🍽️ How to Set a Christmas Table, Step by Step
1. Start with the tablecloth. A plain cloth in white, red or gold is the easiest base, as it lets your decorations do the talking. Our red and gold tablecovers wipe clean, which is handy when there’s gravy involved! Add a runner down the middle if you want an extra layer of colour.
2. Place the plates. Put a placemat or charger at each seat, with the dinner plate in the centre, about a thumb’s width from the table edge. Side plates go to the top left of each setting.
3. Lay the cutlery from the outside in. Forks go on the left and knives on the right, with the blades facing the plate. Put the cutlery for the first course on the outside, so guests work inwards with each course. The dessert spoon and fork can sit above the plate.
4. Add the glasses. Glasses go at the top right, above the knives. Place the water glass closest to the plate and the wine glass just beside it.
5. Fold the napkins. Place a napkin on each plate or to the left of the forks. For something a bit fancier, try a simple fold such as the fan or the Christmas tree; our guide to mastering the art of napkin folding shows you how.
6. Pop the crackers on. Lay a cracker across each plate or on the side plate, so everyone can pull them before the starter.
7. Finish with the centrepiece and sparkle. Add your centrepiece down the middle, then scatter a little table confetti around it. Keep the centrepiece low, so guests can still see and chat across the table.
✨ 5 Easy Christmas Centrepiece Ideas
1. A balloon table centrepiece. For instant wow with zero effort, our red and gold balloon table centrepieces are made by our in-house balloon experts and arrive assembled, ready to place on the table.
2. A confetti trail. Run a line of holly table confetti or gold foil confetti down the centre of the table, with tea lights or small decorations along it. It costs very little and looks great in photos.
3. Fun character decorations. Little table decorations such as our Jolly Snowman table centrepieces are perfect for a family table, especially when little ones are joining in.
4. A grazing board as the centrepiece. Let the food be the decoration! A gold Christmas tree grazing board filled with cheese, crackers and fruit looks festive and keeps guests happy before dinner. Add some holly food picks to finish.
5. Balloons above the table. If your table is short on space, decorate upwards. A few Christmas balloons weighted at each end of the table add colour without getting in the way of the food.
🎨 Christmas Table Colour Schemes
- Classic red and gold: Red napkins and tablecover with gold confetti and a gold centrepiece. Warm, traditional and always a winner.
- Green and gold: A white cloth with green napkins and gold accents feels fresh and elegant.
- Silver and white: Silver confetti, white napkins and silver balloons give a frosty, winter-wonderland look.
- Tartan and kraft: Tartan touches, kraft paper and natural greenery make a cosy, rustic table.
Not sure where to start? Browse our full range of Christmas table decorations to find a look you love.
👧 Setting a Kids’ Christmas Table
If children are eating at their own table, keep it simple and fun. A Christmas tablecloth to colour in or colour-in placemats will keep them busy between courses, and paper napkins and wipe-clean covers make clearing up easy.
❓ Christmas Table FAQs
How far in advance can I set the Christmas table?
You can lay the cloth, plates and cutlery the evening before. Add napkins, crackers and any food or balloons on the day.
Where do the crackers go on a Christmas table?
Lay a cracker across each dinner plate or on the side plate, so guests can pull them before the meal starts.
How tall should a Christmas centrepiece be?
Low enough that guests can see each other over it, usually below eye level when seated. If you want height, decorate above the table instead.
What can I use instead of a tablecloth?
A runner down a wooden table looks lovely on its own, with placemats at each setting to protect the surface.
🎁 Ready to Dress Your Table?
From napkins and confetti to balloons and centrepieces, you’ll find everything you need for the perfect Christmas table at Party Save Smile, with Next Day delivery available and Free Delivery on qualifying orders.